Alexander Bakhtin goes up against Nehomar Cermeno on Wednesday

Russian jr. featherweight Alexander Bakhtin (28-0, 11 KOs) will take on former bantamweight title challenger, Nehomar Cermeno (20-4-1, 12 KOs), of Panama on Wednesday night. The Crocus City Hall in Myakinino, Russia will play host to this twelve-round bout to be contested for a minor WBA belt.

Bakhtin looks to be preparing for a world title run, as he has stepped up to challenge gatekeepers of the 122-pound division in his last few fights. Bakhtin scored decision wins over Nick Otieno, Mbwana Matumla, Jose Angel Beranza dating back to February of 2010. Bakhtin is currently unranked by The Boxing Tribune, but sits at the number 5 spot in the WBA’s rankings, and with a minor title in tow could possibly be in for a world title shot in the near future.

Cermeno did his best work as a bantamweight. He scored two decision victories over Christian Mijares in 2009, but lost twice to longtime WBA bantamweight champion Anselmo Moreno the following year, prompting a move up in weight. Cermeno is 1-2-1 as a jr. featherweight, losing to Fernando Montiel and Victor Terrazas, and battling to a split draw with Yoandris Salinas. Cermeno remains ranked in the top 15 by the WBA, and with a shot at a minor title could possibly set himself up for a world title shot in the near future.

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